ECU receives top score for teacher education

(Dec. 15, 2002)
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The School of Education at East Carolina University has received the top score in North Carolina in the annual report by the State Board of Education on the performance of teacher-preparation programs.

ECU and Appalachian State University received scores of 135 out of a possible 140 points. The state has 47 public and private colleges and universities that offer teacher-education programs.

"We’re thrilled with the report," said Dr. Marilyn Sheerer, dean of the School of Education. "Teacher education is at the roots of this institution. We know we do it well, but to have an outside agency such as the state board confirm it is special. It validates what we are doing."

The performance report was based on 10 factors, including national accreditation, test scores of education students, faculty involvement with public schools, and satisfaction of employers with ECU education graduates.

The data set on which the report was based was scheduled to be presented at a meeting of the education board in Raleigh on Dec. 5, but that meeting was postponed because of the winter storm that swept across the state. The data has been sent to universities statewide.

Last year, ECU was one of seven institutions that earned an "exemplary" rating in the state board’s report. This is the first time ECU has finished with the top score in the state.

Last month ECU received the annual Christa McAuliffe Award for Excellence in Teacher Education, given by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for leadership and innovation in teacher education programs. Only two other universities received that award this year.

Sheerer said the distinguishing characteristics of the ECU program are its partnerships with surrounding public school districts and its clinical approach, which puts students in classroom settings in public schools from the first year of their university program.

Sheerer said the faculty, staff and students of the school all deserve congratulations. "The results of this report show how well we are working together to move teacher education at ECU to national and international prominence."